Sports

By Jamie Jackson, at the Ettihad, and Louise Taylor, at the Stadium of Light Manchester City’s week is ­moving along sweetly, this win on Wednesday night closing the gap to three points to Arsenal, who travel to Brentford today. On ­Sunday, they defeated Liverpool at Anfield, on Wednesday they downed ­Fulham at home to reel off a 20th consecutive victory against them. The rosiest moment for the title challengers was Erling Haaland’s 39th‑minute strike, a first in the competition from open play in nine games, though more con­cerning was his removal at the break, when City led 3-0. “Niggles,” Pep…

*Dembele, PSG In Five-Star Stroll Over Marseille *Madrid Down Toothless Valencia Before joining his triumphant players to celebrate in front of Manchester City’s delirious away support, Pep Guardiola looked to the heavens above Anfield and blew a kiss. This stadium has tormented the City manager more often than most over the past decade but, should the title race twist as dramatically as this victory, his 11th and possibly final visit to Liverpool will be cherished as the turning point. Was Guardiola’s kiss one of thanks for Gianluigi Donnarumma, the goalkeeper who deflated Liverpool in the Champions League last season with…

By Ben Fisher, at Molineux & Jonathan Wilson, at the Emirates Stadium A few minutes after the final whistle, victory boxed off, most of Chelsea’s players had headed for the tunnel but Cole Palmer was wandering around the halfway line in search of lost property. Enveloped by his space-grey puffer coat, making a circle with his hands, bemused staff and teammates soon caught his drift: Palmer wanted evidence of his handiwork, a 25-minute first-half hat-trick that put this game beyond Wolves, even if Liam Rosenior’s side eased off in the second. After retrieving the match ball from a pitchside attendant,…

Kylian Mbappé is the highest-paid player at Real Madrid. In terms of impact, that status is hardly surprising, even if Vinícius Jr. disagrees and has reportedly put his contract renewal on hold because he wants to be paid on the same level as the French star. The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward earns a staggering €31 million gross per year. He arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu on a free transfer, a factor that allowed him to negotiate a far more lucrative deal. His mother, Fayza Lamari, also benefits significantly from the arrangement: acting as his agent, she reportedly earns €4.5…

Arsenal Will Need Home Fans Again The euphoria after Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea that booked their place at Wembley in next month’s Carabao Cup final showed how desperate their supporters are for success, and Mikel Arteta felt they deserved praise for sticking with his side during a nervous second half at the Emirates. “They brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments,” he said. “It wasn’t easy because it was a late kick-off, windy, rainy, cold and they responded. The energy was very good from the beginning. I sensed it was different and they are on…

*You'll See Soon Where I'm Headed, He Tells Journalist Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has left Chippa United of South Africa. Nwabali, who joined Chippa in 2022 and played 76 games for the Gqeberha side, requested to leave, and the club obliged. The club’s chair, Siviwe Mpengesi, confirmed the 29-year-old’s departure. “Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart the club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release,” Mpengesi said in a statement. "We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment,…

*Forward Is Eligible To Play For Three Countries Chelsea loanee Tyrique George has confirmed that he is eligible to represent both and Nigeria and Ghana at international level, revealing details of his family background while speaking about his career and personal life. The 19-year-old attacker, who joined Everton on loan from Chelsea on January transfer deadline day for the remainder of the season, made the disclosure while introducing himself and sharing insights into his upbringing and football journey. Speaking to Everton’s official media channel, George said: “I’m Tyrique George and these are five things about me. I was born in…

Andy Carroll; remember him? The then Liverpool player with a terrific left foot, today got charged to court in England. The former England footballer has denied breaching a non-molestation order by allegedly repeatedly calling his former wife. Carroll, indicated a not guilty plea to the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates Court. He began his professional career with Newcastle before transferring to Liverpool for £35m in 2011, later playing for West Ham, Reading and West Brom. Carroll is charged with breaching the order made by the family court at Chelmsford Justice Centre by allegedly repeatedly calling in March last year Billi Mucklow,…

*5 EPL Teams Qualify *Reigning Champs PSG Drop To Playoffs *Benfica Goalkeeper's Goal Helps Send Unruly Madrid To Playoffs *All 36 Teams Played 8 Matches Each In Wednesday's final UEFA Champions League (CL) league-phase matches in which only the top eight automatically qualify for the knockout round, the onus was on Chelsea to silence the jibes about their lack of experience. Behind to a goal from Rasmus Højlund at half-time, they were facing the inconvenience of a two-legged playoff to reach the knockout last 16 of the Champions League. Another lead had been thrown away and the momentum was with…

By Billy Munday and Michael Butler Already Through With seven wins from seven, Arsenal have a perfect record in the league phase. Only Bayern Munich and Inter have found the net against Mikel Arteta’s team, who dismissed Atlético Madrid 4-0 in October. The bottom side, Kairat, visit the Emirates Stadium on the final night (today), with Arsenal needing a draw to confirm top spot and, theoretically, the most favourable last-16 draw. Bayern Munich are the only other team who have a shot at finishing top, having secured their top-eight place last week with a 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise. Harry…